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A future nurseMy name is Olinda Manuel Nduna (pictured left, wearing brown, with Ana António [standing] and Lina Manuel). I’ve been living at the girl’s centre in Machanga since 2012 and am now half way through grade 10. I am sixteen years old and have 6 brothers and sisters. Two of the oldest are already finished high school.

Without the Girls’ Centre it would have been really hard to get this far in high school. My parent’s home is eight kilometres from my school. If I had to bike back and forth everyday on top of helping out with chores and doing homework, my studies would have not gone well. For me, studying is important so I can get a job and support my family. I have great hopes to go live with my aunt next year in the city, finish high school, and study to be a nurse.

I enjoy staying at the girl’s centre. When I am not at studying I like to braid the other girls’ hair. I know many different styles but my favourite is zig-zag pattern.

Because my home is not too far away, I go visit during the holidays. When I am home I help my mom in the fields. We grow sweet-potato, maize, and vegetables.

I am really excited to go study to be a nurse but I will greatly miss my family and all my friends at the girl’s centre! Program update

The Machanga Girl’s Centre is continuing to attract young women who are keen on studying. Many would not otherwise have the chance to succeed in high school. If they could attend at all, the travel time and responsibilities at home would distract from their studies. In the beginning it was hard to find girls to come, but now families see the benefits and we sadly have to turn some away because we are full!

Other news Most people in Machanga depend on farming for their livelihoods and are vulnerable to changes in climate. This year Machanga was greatly affected by poor rains. There was no rice crop, and the maize harvest was very little. People are struggling to feed their families. Studying agriculture is one way that students prepare for the future.

Olinda braids Linda Manuel’s hair. This skill takes a lot of practice.

The girls prepare the garden for tomato, kale, cabbage, and onion.

Fall 2015–MozambiqueMachanga Girls Education

Story and photos by Rebecca Standen